Rules for UAE National Day car decorations revealed

Patriotic car decorations will be permitted from November 25 to December 6

Rashid Al Muhairbi, whose birthday falls on UAE National's day, decorates his car at Grand Plus Auto Accessories. Reem Mohammed / The National

Rashid Al Muhairbi makes sure his car is dressed to impress for the UAE's 47th National Day on Sunday. Reem Mohammed / The National

National pride is on full display at Blooming Leather Upholstery and Accessories car shop in Mussafah. Reem Mohammed / The National

Fahad Abd Al Moula, 26, decorates his car at Grand Plus Auto accessories. Reem Mohammed / The National

December 2 is a day of double delight for Rashid Al Muhairbi, who celebrates not only his own birth but that of his nation. Reem Mohammed / The National

Obaid Al Mansoori, 17, right, and his cousin Ahmad Al Mazrouei are all geared up for National Day. Reem Mohammed / The National

Mohammed Al Dhali is making sure his car is up to the challenge of a university competition. Reem Mohammed / The National

Mohammed Al Dhali will be among the millions marking National Day on Sunday. Reem Mohammed / The National

Hamad Al Bulooshi motored over to Mussafah to ensure his car is at its Sunday best for National Day. Reem Mohammed / The National

Grand Plus Auto Accessories offers a variety of stickers and decorations to those celebrating National Day. Reem Mohammed / The National

Grand Plus Auto Accessories is well stocked up for the annual surge in interest in motoring makeovers. Reem Mohammed/The National

Staff at Blooming Leather Upholstery and Accessories car shop in Mussafah are working hard during the busiest period of the year. Reem Mohammed/The National

Guidelines have been issued for people wishing to decorate their cars to celebrate the 48th National Day on December 2.

Motorists will be able to do so between November 25 and December 6, according to Abu Dhabi Police.

Cars can be decorated with appropriate national phrases and the UAE flag as long as it does not obstruct the view of the driver or endanger others.

Decals and colourful motifs can only be added to the side of the car and the overall vehicle colour should not be changed.

Car owners are also not allowed to add noisy accessories, obscure licence plates and cover the windscreen, said Brig Mohammed Al Humairi, director of Traffic and Patrols Directorate.

Drivers cannot carry more than the permitted number of people and passengers cannot stick any body part out of the vehicle’s windows or sunroof.

Drivers are also not permitted to obstruct traffic, rev their engines or drift.

Pedestrians have also been warned against jaywalking while horses and camels are forbidden from main roads. They have also been banned from spraying passersby with silly string or spray paint and ave been reminded not to litter.

Brig Al Humairi said police would be out in full force on December 2, increasing patrols and camera monitoring to ensure motorists adhere to traffic regulations during the parade that typically happens on Yas Island and along Corniche Abu Dhabi.

Motorists found driving recklessly or endangering others face a fine of Dh2,000, 12 traffic points and will have their car impounded for 30 days.

National Day in the UAE is celebrated on December 2 each year. It marks the day the emirates banded together at Union House (now Etihad Museum) to form the United Arab Emirates in 1971. Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan was the country’s first president.

Public and private sector workers will get a three-day break to mark two important occasions, starting in December, one on Sunday, December 1, to mark UAE Commemoration Day and two days on December 2 and December 3 to celebrate the country's 48th National Day.